The fourth edition of the 2022 Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will be held in Dakar, Senegal. The decision was taken today unanimously by all members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by show of hands at the IOC Session in Buenos Aires. This is the first time that the Youth Olympic Games will be hosted in Africa.
Four African countries* were in the running and, after in-depth analysis, the Evaluation Commission and the Board of Directors have determined that Dakar, Senegal, presented the best value proposition and the greatest opportunities at that precise moment.
Dakar 2022 presented a visionary, ambitious and technically sound YOG project which meets the country's long-term objectives.
Senegal has a large youth population and sees the YOG as a catalyst to engage young people and develop national sports and youth policy.
Significant investments have already been made in favour of youth and sport within the framework of the “Emerging Senegal Plan”, which defines the president’s vision for 2035.
IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Africa is united behind Senegal to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2022. With a young population and a passion for sport, it is time for Africa, it is time for Senegal.”
The competitions and activities will take place in three cities, showcasing the many facets of Senegal: the historic capital of Dakar; the new city of Diamniadio; and the natural beauty of Saly on the coast.
Senegalese President Macky Sall, who travelled to Buenos Aires for the IOC's historic decision, said: "Senegal and its youth are proud of the honour you have given us by entrusting our country with the organisation of the 2022 Youth Olympic Games.
"In fact, it is all of Africa, the cradle of humanity by its history and the youngest continent by its demographics, which will welcome the young athletes of the world in 2022."
Considering the unifying power of the Games, the IOC is pleased to be able to count on the four parties, all of whom have endorsed the IOC's decision and committed to fully supporting the selected host.
The decision was made during the 3rd edition of the Youth Olympic Games, which is currently taking place in Buenos Aires from October 6 to 18.
* Botswana, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia
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The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit independent international organisation made up of volunteers, which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90% of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of US$3.4 million is donated to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.
